Denman & Chrome Island - August 4, 2026, Don Poirier

Another great day on the water and special thanks to Kate who hosted us for a post-paddle party on her deck overlooking Denman Island.  We took it all in and enjoyed talking about all kinds of things from dance, beer, travel and even boat parts…don’t ask.  Ron and his wife Loverne also joined us after the paddle which was very nice.

We had calm seas and crossed Baynes Sound to Denman and proceeded along the western shore of the island spotting seals and a few eagles.  Southward, we circled the Chrome Island Lighthouse (est. 1891) which was our halfway point for the 12 km paddle. Then a dash to a small sandy beach on Denman for lunch.   It was a little paradise, room for a tent with a water source and a vantage point looking across to the Beaufort Range and Chrome Island to the south.  I later learned that the beach used to be known as Betty’s Beach.  She was an oyster farmer going back to the 1980’s and had succeeded John Carlson, a fisherman and character of Denman going back to mid-century.  An apple, plum and several cherry trees survive today on this southward facing beach.  How nice.

So that was the day for nine paddlers. Awesome!

Gabriola Flat Top Islands - July 29, 2026, Harvey Pearson

Such a beautiful day!  All the driving and dealing with the ferries was worth the gorgeous views from the Flat Top Islands near Silva Bay on Gabriola Island.  Eight paddlers enjoy views of clean, clear waters, starfish, jellyfish, seals in abundance, herons, and eagles.  There was a lot of high-priced boating traffic as well.  We enjoyed a relaxed lunch on Saturnina Island with views to both north and south.  The sandstone formations in the area are magnificent!  The ferries were busy, but we all managed to get our sailings and return home tired and sunburned after a spectacular day.

Sandy Island Trip - July 21, 2026 - Don Poirier

Fourteen paddlers out for the trip from Union Bay to Sandy Island located immediately north of Denman Island.  Thankfully, smoky conditions from late Monday had largely dissipated and we set out on the water at 9:30 am.  We enjoyed calm seas and the air temperature was about 26C.  Our circuit to Sandy and nearby Seal Islets totalled 15 km. We made two stops along the shores of Sandy Island including one for a short swim. 

Along the way, we noticed a fried egg jellyfish (Phacellophora camtschatica) and then a naval boat passed along along the Sound.  That boat, PT-59 or the WOLF is a training vessel based out of CFB Esquimalt.  Further out at the Islets, a heron, dozens of seals (some with pups) plus gulls provided an audience as several kayaks zipped through a small gap with surf between the sandy bars.   It was a great day on the water and later capped with a stop in Qualicum Bay for ice cream.

Orca-class naval training boat - the WOLF, PT-59 (product of Victoria Shipyards)

Ucluelet Trip Report - July 15, 2026, Harvey Pearson

Just four intrepid souls set out on a surprisingly windy morning, cold considering the time of year.  Hard work paddling, but we were rewarded by the view of a black bear turning over boulders to chow down on crustaceans.  We also landed on  a couple of secluded beaches and then made our way back on calm waters past a busy fishing fleet off-loading their catches.  8.4 miles in total.

Tofino Trip Report - July 14, 2026, Harvey Pearson

Six of us ventured out into Grice Bay (near Tofino) on calm, sunny waters in near perfect weather conditions.  The tide was very low setting out and so the group decided to venture around Indian Island which proved to be gorgeous and offered extensive views of Clayoquot Sound.  After the tide came in, we explored a number of tidal estuaries which provided a close encounter with nature of the first order, albeit challenging at times.  A long day, 11 miles in all, but perfect weather and good company.

Royston Wrecks Paddle - Linda Watson & Harvey Pearson, Monday July 6

 12 paddlers set out from Royston Beach at 9:30 am to explore the remnants of the 13 sunken ships that served as a “breakwater” in the 1930’s for the Comox Logging and Railway Company. These rusted relics are worth a look and provide a visual postcard of how life was in the early 1800’s.

Our group then paddled across the estuary heading towards Comox Marina and Yacht Club  where a wealth of large yachts and sailboats provided a definite contrast to the historic Royston sunken ships.
After stopping for a quick break at the Comox Marina we moved on to Goose Spit where we stopped for
 lunch on the beautiful sandy beach.

Comox Bay was alive with energy: sailboats, catamarans, a day camp for kids and YES , Orca, sightings! We hung out for a bit in the water, waiting and watching for Orcas. Unfortunately, they outsmarted us, so we paddled across the water back to Royston Beach.

All in all, a good paddle. Favourable weather, 20 degrees celsius, low wind 2-3 knots and good company.

Linda Watson, Trip Leader
Harvey Pearson, Sweep

June 30, 2026 - Quennell Lake - Harvey Pearson

In all, there were 15 paddlers who ventured out on a windy day at Quennell Lake in Yellow Point.  Thankfully, it is very sheltered and safety was never a problem, but it was a little more difficult paddling into the wind.  The scenery was great, the white lotus lilies were in full bloom, giant pollywogs were to be seen everywhere, and of course, the usual bald eagles and herons.  We stopped for a quick break at the ZuiderZee Resort to stretch our legs, and then headed back.  Surprisingly, we managed to do 8.9 miles of paddling on what is otherwise a small lake.  Afterwards, 11 of the group met at the Crow and Gate for a lovely lunch.  It was a good day!  Thanks to Don Poirier for acting as sweep, and also to Linda Hays and John Harlacher for adding photos.